The Signal.com's Daybreak: Dec. 15, 2009

Hello, Santa Clarita Valley! Welcome to The-Signal.com's Daybreak, your point of entry for the day, and a quick journey through the past, present and future. Let the adventure begin:

Today is Tuesday, Dec. 15, the 349th day of 2009. There are 16 days left in the year.

Today's Highlight in History:

On Dec. 15, 1791, the Bill of Rights went into effect following ratification by Virginia.

Ten years ago: With President Bill Clinton's close mediation, Syria reopened peace talks with Israel in Washington.

Five years ago: Time Warner Inc. agreed to pay over $500 million to resolve federal securities fraud and accounting investigations of its America Online unit.

Watercooler talkBOSTON (AP) - Police said a Boston man wanted for drug trafficking tried to hide his identity by cutting off his fingertips. State Police spokesman David Procopio said Monday that Francis Viliar admitted to police that he paid someone $400 to slice off the fleshy pads at the ends of his fingers.

The 36-year-old was arrested Friday after state police pulled him over for speeding in Brockton. He was charged with giving a false name and carrying a dangerous weapon.

During booking, officers discovered that his fingertips were covered in scar tissue. FBI specialists were still able to identify Viliar, who had 13 warrants, using ridges from the prints.